Preliminary Analysis of the Relationship Between Acupoint Sensitivity and Inter-acupoint Distance Along the 12 Meridians

Although the spatial organization of the acupoints is a fundamental element in acupuncture practice, its physiological relevance has not been fully established.This study aimed to analyze the inter-acupoint distance (IAD) across the 12 primary meridians to determine whether acupoint density reflects regional variations in tactile sensitivity.In this study, a total of 291 IADs were extracted from standard anatomical references and classified by meridian type and body region.The IADs were shorter along the yang meridians compared with the yin meridians as well as in regions such as the head and trunk compared with the extremities.Notably, the body regions with higher tactile acuity, such as the hands and face, showed a greater density of acupoints.These findings suggest that acupoint distribution is not arbitrary but corresponds to the inherent somatosensory characteristics of the body surface.Furthermore, this study provides quantitative evidence supporting the functional relevance of meridian-based acupoint organization, thereby laying a foundation for future empirical studies.